Malay, Cocos Islands in Malaysia

Introduction / History

The Cocos Malays are the majority population of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, a territory of Australia. The Malay were the first permanent inhabitants of the island, along with Alexander Hare, and English adventurer. They were brought as slaves and members of his harem. When a previous claimant, John Clunies-Ross, arrived a year later in 1827, he took the island back, employing the existing population in the harvest of coconuts. Because of the unbroken European rule of the islands, the culture has been mostly Western. The majority of the group is Muslim. Some from this people group have migrated to Malaysia.

Where Are they Located?

About 600 Kukos people live on Cocos Island that is south of Java, but over 5,000 lives in Malaysia. Most of them live in a village called Kampung Cocos in Sabah, Malaysia.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Kukos people are so similar to the Malay majority that they blend in with them in Malaysia. They have their own dress that is similar to what the Malay wear. Women wear a loose tunic called a Baju Kebaya, and a skirt, called a sarong. Men wear a loose shirt called a Baju Melayu and pants. Their Malay dialect is considered to be unsophisticated by the Malay majority in Malaysia.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Like the Malay people, the Kukos are Sunni Muslim.

What Are Their Needs?

The Kukos people, be they on the Cocos Island or Malaysia, need the life transforming gospel. They need the chance to put their faith in Christ alone.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Kukos people to have the education and job opportunities that they need in Malaysia.
Pray for a spiritual hunger among the Kukos people that will lead them to the Bible for answers.
Pray for Kukos leaders to have dreams and visions that will open their hearts to Jesus Christ.
Pray for a church planting movement that is defined by discipleship and love for Christ.

Text Source:   Keith Carey